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Romanticism

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Themes: The Self

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In the Romantic era, people began to recognize that there were elements of their personalities that lay beyond the scope of everyday awareness. This idea was expanded upon in the twentieth century through modern psychological theories, but it was groundbreaking during the Romantic period. The Romantics were fascinated by self-discovery and the distinct experiences individuals had in the world. Prior authors had focused on politics, commerce, trade, and the lives of royalty or other prominent figures. The lives of ordinary people were often deemed unworthy of widespread interest. However, the Romantics were inspired by the American and French revolutions and their foundational political principles. Much like the revolutionaries, they believed that everyday individuals had the same rights and importance as any leader. This sociopolitical perspective drove writers to acknowledge the significance of the individual in their work and to emphasize the experiences of ordinary people.

Expert Q&A

How do romantics emphasize individuality?

Romantics emphasize individuality by championing personal freedom, democratic ideals, and the rights of the individual, opposing societal conformity and industrialization. They find refuge and inspiration in nature, as seen in poets like Blake and Wordsworth. Romanticists like Whitman and Dickinson celebrate the unique soul and imagination, valuing poetry for its emotional depth. They also resist science and technology, fearing dehumanization, and instead exalt the mystic and supernatural, as depicted in works like Frankenstein.

Why is the Prometheus myth important for Romanticism?

Prometheus is a powerful symbol of rebellion and suffering, which are central to the Romantic ideal.

Discuss how return to nature and renaissance of wonder are characteristics of Romanticism.

Romanticism emphasizes a return to nature and a renaissance of wonder, promoting a vision of the world beyond ordinary perception. Wordsworth captures this by encouraging individuals to explore life with child-like wonder, seeing each moment as vibrant and new. This wonder is often found in nature, which Romantic thinkers viewed as pure and untainted by human corruption. By embracing nature, individuals rediscover their unique selves and the transformative power inherent in Romantic ideals.

What does Romanticism's focus on individual impressions, moods, feelings, and sentiments mean?

Romanticism focused on the individual, so any texts or pieces of visual art that focused on a person's feelings, creativity, and uniqueness were likely part of the Romantic tradition.

How do Coleridge and Wordsworth represent "Renaissance of Wonder" and "Return to Nature" in their poetry?

The two aspects of Romanticism "Renaissance of Wonder" and "Return to Nature" are best represented by Coleridge and Wordsworth respectively. Coleridge was fascinated with the exploration of the supernatural and of the realm that lay beyond the realm of rationality and silence. The root of this was his desire to initiate a sense of wonder in the reader. For example, "Kubla Khan," generates a picture that instigates wonder in the reader's mind. "His flashing eyes/ His floating hair" as well as the construction of Xanadu brings to light a sense of wonder as to what is being created through language and imagery.

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